Scuttlebutt on the move – a new location for the waterfront pub

Ongoing expansion plans at the Port of Everett call for the demolition of the building currently housing Scuttlebutt’s waterfront pub. To say it as dramatically as possible, the Port wants Scuttlebutt out.

The Port of Everett isn’t stupid. It recognizes that Scuttlebutt is a valuable tenant–one that fits into its plans for expansion very well. Still, they want Scuttlebutt out of the current location. The Port and Scuttlebutt have recently come to terms. The pub will move out of the current location and into a new, larger location not far away in the new Waterfront Center.

The Port of Everett and Scuttlebutt Brewing recently announced an agreement that will see the Everett-based brewery begin tenant improvement to the space—the build-out of the new restaurant and pub—in February 2011, with an anticipated opening date in early spring.

“The current location has been scheduled for demolition for ten years and we’ve been living with a bit of uncertainty,” says Matt Stromberg, Head Brewer at Scuttlebutt. “Moving now is a bit scary but allows us to build our needs into the new building, providing a much more efficient space to operate with fewer compromises.”

The move will make Scuttlebutt the single largest tenant at the Port of Everett’s new Waterfront Center. The Scuttlebutt pub will occupy 5,560 square feet in the new mixed‐use facility–12 percent of the leaseable space. Part of the Port’s larger North Marina Development Plan, the Waterfront Center will be home to marine repair and marine related businesses as well as the new Port of Everett administration offices.

Moving Into a New, Fresh Building

“We’re excited to move our operations into a new, fresh building,” said Phil Bannan Sr., Owner of Scuttlebutt Brewing Company. “Having additional space and being in a more centralized location will allow us to expand our operations and continue to grow our business.”

Scuttlebutt has been occupying the current location since 1996 and even Bannan admits that the pub is showing its age and is in need of a facelift. He also notes that the popularity of the pub has Scuttlebutt continually scrambling to increase seating capacity, which will be doubled in the new location. Business hours will likely be expanded as well. More important to beer lovers, the move allows Scuttlebutt to increase the number of taps pouring Scuttlebutt beers.

“This will help us move into a crisp new building,” Bannan told the Everett Herald in a recent report. “It’s a good location. We’ll try not to change our product and we will continue to offer casual, family friendly dining. Fish and chips will still be our mainstay.”

Appreciating Scuttlebutt

The Port of Everett is undergoing a $400 million dollar redevelopment, much of which has been slowed by the economic realities of the day. Like countless other projects across the region and the nation, the banking crisis stopped the Port’s development efforts midstream. Many of the old structures have been torn down and plans have already been drawn for new retail and housing developments. While many of the Port of Everett’s redevelopment plans are on hold, the development of the new Waterfront Center has moved forward.

“In this tough economic climate, we are fortunate to have an established restaurant anchor the new Waterfront Center,” said Steve Hager, Director of Properties for the Port.

According to the Port’s press release, Scuttlebutt is a valuable component in the Port of Everett’s plans. The agreement with Scuttlebutt marks an important step in the Port’s development plans for two reasons:

First, the relocation of Scuttlebutt accelerates the Port’s ability to access the property currently occupied by the pub. Vacating the building will allow the Port to remove the existing structure, and respond to development interests of benefit to both the community and the Port.

Second, Scuttlebutt is a perfect fit for the new Waterfront Center. According to Hager, “The restaurant will not only attract new tenants and increase revenue for the Port, but it will also provide a much‐needed amenity in our North Marina area for the community and visitors to enjoy.”

Did You Know?

Here are a couple of facts you may not know.

Phil Bannan Sr., owner of Scuttlebutt Brewing, was a Port of Everett Commissioner for 12 years.

The Port of Everett Marina is said to be the largest public marina on the west coast. What is even harder to believe, the Port of Everett proclaims that it is the largest public marina in North America. Whatever the case, it is a very large public marina.